More Than Hate You, page 26
“There really is one more job I want to pitch to you.”
“You’re serious?”
“Yeah.”
Sebastian sighs. “I’m listening. But make it quick. I’m really feeling this husband and possible daddy role right now.”
He presses himself against me, and it’s impossible not to tell just how enthusiastic he is.
I swallow back my raging desire and promise myself that, as soon as we’ve concluded business, we’ll devote all weekend simply to each other…and doing our best to make him a father.
For now, I smooth down my dress, shrug back into my blazer, then whistle.
The bedroom door opens, and Evan walks in. “Hey, buddy.”
“Hey!” He’s clearly thrilled to see his best friend. “Congrats on your merger.”
“Thanks.” He pats my back with brotherly affection. “We’re planning on doing great things. We could do them even better if you were on our team.”
“We’d love for you to be our CFO,” I spell it out. “There’s no one we trust more.”
“Exactly,” Evan puts in.
Sebastian looks floored. “You’re sure?”
“One hundred percent,” Evan assures. “It will be like your old job but with more responsibility. It will definitely be more intense. So, of course, you’ll be better compensated.
“If I’m being honest, I was already pretty overpaid,” Sebastian admits.
Evan shakes his head. “You were worth every penny and more. What do you say?”
“We need you,” I add softly.
He shakes Evan’s hand as he pulls me in for a hug. “As long as I get some of those husband benefits in the office every so often, it’s a deal.”
Evan holds up his hands. “Dude, I got nothing to do with that, and I don’t want to know.”
“Since that’s my department, it’s a rousing hell yes from me.” I smile wide and throw my arms around my husband.
“Then absolutely yes! I’d love to be your CFO. There’s no job I want more. I’ll be in the office on Monday.” Then Sebastian frowns. “Wait, where will this new company be headquartered?”
“Here,” I tell him. “With a significant presence in Dallas. Easier and cheaper for supporting mainland customers. Plus, most of our employees don’t want to leave their homes and extended families.”
“Makes sense.” Sebastian nods. “But where are we living?”
“Where do you want to live?”
“Wherever you want, baby. I just want to be with you.”
I smile in sublime happiness. “Same here. We’ll figure it out.”
“I like it.” He turns to Evan. “I’m happy to be back with you, man.”
“Happy to have you back. You have no idea…”
“I’ve missed you, too. But what are the chances you’ll fuck off and let me be alone with my wife for the weekend?”
Evan laughs and pulls his keys from his pocket. “No need to ask me twice. Welcome back, man.”
Sebastian pulls him in for a bro-hug. “Thanks. It’s great to be back.”
With that, Evan leaves, and I’m alone again with Sebastian.
“So about that job as husband with the daddy upgrade…” he begins.
Grinning, I lean in to kiss him. “I think we should get started right now.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He hooks his arm under my knees, lifting me against his chest, and heads straight for the bedroom. “Hey, since I’m on the payroll again and we’re on the same team, who inside Stratus was leaking information to you? I never found out.”
Mischief widens my grin. “No one. It was a lucky guess you unwittingly confirmed.”
He laughs, shaking his head as he strides to the bedroom. “You are something, baby. The first time I talked to you on the phone, I knew you’d keep me on my toes. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” As he stops beside the big, gauze-draped four-poster bed, I sigh. “What do you think our children will be like?”
He sets me on my feet and brushes a stray tendril from my face. “Half you and half me? Holy terrors.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I’m afraid you’re right.”
“Good thing I like a challenge.”
“Me, too. Now shut up and kiss me.”
“It will be my pleasure, wife.”
Get ready for a new bad boy bastard to join the Reed Clan!
* * *
Manwhore and financial master Xavian Costa meets his long-lost family—and the woman he can’t forget—when his life is turned upside down in the next steamy, emotional Reed Family Reckoning: Bastards novel. Click HERE.
* * *
MORE THAN DESIRE YOU
Reed Family Reckoning: Bastards, Book 8
by Shayla Black
Coming November 1, 2022!
Click here to pre-order!
(Will be available in eBook, print, and audio)
* * *
Thank you for reading More Than Hate You! If you enjoyed this book, please review and/or recommend it to your reader friends. That means the world to me!
* * *
Want to know first about new releases, excerpts, covers, and freebies? Join my VIP newsletter!
MORE THAN DESIRE YOU
Reed Family Reckoning: Bastards, Book 8
by Shayla Black
Coming November 1, 2022!
Click here to pre-order!
(Will be available in eBook, print, and audio)
* * *
Manwhore and financial master Xavian Costa meets his long-lost family—and the woman he can’t forget—when his life is turned upside down…
* * *
Get to know Xavian, the naughtiest of the Reed Family bastards, when he offers the ultimate favor to a V-card-carrying friend, in More Than Possess You.
How about a collection of sexy bedtime stories about the forbidden?
* * *
FORBIDDEN CONFESSIONS: First Time
Four sexy bedtime stories
by Shayla Black
Click here to purchase!
(available in eBook, print, and audio)
* * *
Seducing The Innocent, Book 1
How far will she go to persuade her brother’s best friend to touch her?
* * *
Seducing The Bride, Book 2
How far will he go to claim his best friend’s daughter?
* * *
Seducing The Stranger, Book 3
How deep will she fall after one night with a hot stranger?
* * *
Seducing The Enemy, Book 4
How far will he go to take his pound of flesh from his first love?
* * *
Enjoy these Forbidden Confessions. HEA guaranteed!
EXCERPT – Seducing the Innocent
* * *
One of his warm hands leaves my breast and skates down my waist, settling over my hip to bring me closer. I can smell a hint of toothpaste and coffee on his breath.
“Have you let any of those tossers you’ve dated kiss you, Kayla?”
I swallow. What will he do if I tell him the truth? “A few.”
He scowls as if my answer pains him. “Did you like it?”
I wanted to, but… “It was all right. No one has blown my panties off.”
I suspect Oliver could.
His eyes soften. “Kissing can be wonderful. Someday, when you find a man you care about, one who knows what he’s doing, you’ll love it.”
I have a man I very much care about standing right in front of me, and the thought of kissing Oliver makes my body throb in arousal. I sway closer, pressing my aching breasts against his chest. “What about you? I’ll bet you know what you’re doing.”
The second the words leave my mouth, my heart careens out of control.
“I shouldn’t kiss you, Kayla,” Oliver practically groans.
“Please,” I beg. “Just once.” When he stares at my lips, they tingle. Everything in my body flushes hot. Even my skin feels too tight. And the ache between my legs coils relentlessly. “You’ve already touched my breasts.”
“Are you bloody trying to kill me?” His voice sounds rough with need.
That excites me even more.
“Is one kiss asking so much?” I clasp his T-shirt in my fists and tilt my face under his.
He hesitates for a long moment, his eyes searching mine, nostrils flaring, jaw rigid.
“Kayla,” he growls. “Goddamn it…”
Just when I’m sure he’s going to walk away, Oliver grabs me by the nape, holding me immobile. His breathing turns hard and rough. I tremble. He’s wrestling with himself. My heart revs. What is he thinking? Is there any chance he’ll kiss me?
Suddenly, he jerks me against his body and seizes my lips…
LET’S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER!
* * *
Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than eighty contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.
* * *
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
* * *
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
* * *
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Other Books by Shayla Black
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
WICKED & DEVOTED
Romantic Suspense
Wicked as Sin (One-Mile & Brea, part 1)
Wicked Ever After (One-Mile & Brea, part 2)
Wicked as Lies (Zyron & Tessa, part 1)
Wicked and True (Zyron & Tessa, part 2)
Coming Soon:
Wicked as Seduction (Trees & Laila, part 1) (March 15, 2022)
* * *
REED FAMILY RECKONING
Angsty, emotional contemporary romance
SIBLINGS
More Than Want You (Maxon & Keeley)
More Than Need You (Griff & Britta)
More Than Love You (Harlow & Noah)
BASTARDS
More Than Crave You (Evan & Nia)
More Than Tempt You (Bethany & Clint)
Coming Soon:
More Than Desire You (Xavian & ??) (Fall 2022)
FRIENDS
More Than Dare You (Trace & Masey)
More Than Hate You (Sebastian & Sloan)
1001 DARK NIGHTS
More Than Pleasure You (Stephen & Skye)
More Than Protect You (Amanda & Tanner)
More Than Possess You (A Hope Series crossover) (Echo & Hayes)
* * *
FORBIDDEN CONFESSIONS (Sexy Shorts)
Sexy Bedtime Stories
FIRST TIME
Seducing the Innocent
Seducing the Bride
Seducing the Stranger
Seducing the Enemy
PROTECTORS
Seduced by the Bodyguard
Seduced by the Spy
Seduced by the Assassin
Seduced by the Mafia Boss
Coming Soon:
FILTHY RICH BOSSES
Tempted by the Billionaire (February 8, 2022)
* * *
THE WICKED LOVERS (Complete Series)
Steamy Romantic Suspense
Wicked Ties
Decadent
Delicious
Surrender to Me
Belong to Me
Wicked to Love
Mine to Hold
Wicked All the Way
Ours to Love
Wicked All Night
Forever Wicked
Theirs to Cherish
His to Take
Pure Wicked
Wicked for You
Falling in Deeper
Dirty Wicked
A Very Wicked Christmas
Holding on Tighter
* * *
THE DEVOTED LOVERS (Complete Series)
Steamy Romantic Suspense
Devoted to Pleasure
Devoted to Wicked
Devoted to Love
* * *
THE UNBROKEN SERIES
(co-authored with Jenna Jacob)
Raine Falling Saga (Complete)
The Broken (Prequel)
The Betrayal
The Break
The Brink
The Bond
* * *
Heavenly Rising Collection
The Choice
The Chase
Coming Soon:
The Commitment (June 7, 2022)
* * *
THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN (Complete Series)
(co-authored with Lexi Blake)
Steamy Romantic Suspense
Scandal Never Sleeps
Seduction in Session
Big Easy Temptation
Smoke and Sin
At the Pleasure of the President
* * *
MASTERS OF MÉNAGE (Complete Series)
(co-authored with Lexi Blake)
Steamy Contemporary Romance
Their Virgin Captive
Their Virgin’s Secret
Their Virgin Concubine
Their Virgin Princess
Their Virgin Hostage
Their Virgin Secretary
Their Virgin Mistress
* * *
STANDALONE TITLES
Naughty Little Secret
Watch Me
Dirty & Dangerous
Her Fantasy Men
A Perfect Match
* * *
THE HOPE SERIES (Complete Series)
Steamy Contemporary Romance
Misadventures of a Backup Bride
Misadventures with My Ex
More Than Possess You (A Reed Family Reckoning crossover)
* * *
SEXY CAPERS (Complete Series)
Bound and Determined
Strip Search
Arresting Desire
* * *
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
STANDALONES
The Lady and the Dragon
One Wicked Night
* * *
STRICTLY SERIES (Complete Duet)
Victorian Historical Romance
Strictly Seduction
Strictly Forbidden
* * *
BROTHERS IN ARMS (Complete Trilogy)
Medieval Historical Romance
His Lady Bride
His Stolen Bride
His Rebel Bride
BOXSETS/COLLECTIONS
More Than Promises (Reed Family Reckoning: Siblings)
First Glance (A trio of series starters)
The Strictly Duet (Victorian historical romance)
Forbidden Confessions: First Time
Forbidden Confessions: Protectors
Shayla Black, More Than Hate You
